Depression following small vessel stroke is common and more prevalent in women.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine the frequency of depression after small vessel-type stroke (SVS) and associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of patients enrolled in the American Stroke Association-Bugher SVS Study, which included 200 participants within 2-years of SVS and 79 controls without a history of stroke from 2007 to 2012 at four sites. The primary outcome was PHQ-8, with scores ≥10 consistent with post-stroke depression (PSD). A logistic regression adjusted for age, race, sex, history of diabetes and Short-Form Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (SF-MoCA) was used to compare the risk of having depression after SVS compared to controls. Another logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, race, level of education, SF-MoCA, white matter disease (WMD) burden, stroke severity (NIHSS), time between stroke and depression screen, history of diabetes, and history of hypertension was used to identify factors independently associated with depression in participants with SVS. RESULTS: The cohort included 161 participants with SVS (39 excluded due to missing data) and 79 controls. The mean interval between stroke and depression screening was 74 days. Among participants with SVS, 31.7% (n = 51) had PSD compared to 6.3% (n = 5) of controls (RR = 5.44, 95% CI = 2.21-13.38, p = 0.0002). The only two variables independently associated with PSD in participants with SVS were female sex (RR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.09-3.09, p = 0.020) and diabetes (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.03-2.79). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for several demographic and clinical variables, having a SVS was associated with an approximate 5-fold increased risk of depression and was more frequent in women and in those with diabetes. The extent of WMD was not independently associated with PSD, suggesting that small vessel disease in the setting of an overt SVS may not account for the increased prevalence of depression.

Impact of early MRI in ischemic strokes beyond hyper-acute stage to improve patient outcomes, enable early discharge, and realize cost savings.

BACKGROUND: Early in-patient MR Imaging may assist in identifying stroke etiology, facilitating prompt secondary prevention for ischemic strokes (IS), and potentially enhancing patient outcomes. This study explores the impact of early in patient MRI on IS patient outcomes and healthcare resource use beyond the hyper-acute stage. METHODS: In this retrospective registry-based study, 771 admitted transient ischemic attack (TIA) and IS patients at Halifax's QEII Health Centre from 2015 to 2019 underwent in-patient MRI. Cohort was categorized into two groups based on MRI timing: early (within 48 h) and late. Logistic regression and Poisson log-linear models, adjusted for age, sex, stroke severity, acute stroke protocol (ASP) activation, thrombolytic, and thrombectomy, were employed to examine in-hospital, discharge, post-discharge, and healthcare resource utilization outcomes. RESULTS: Among the cohort, 39.6 % received early in-patient MRI. ASP activation and TIA were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving early MRI. Early MRI was independently associated with a lower rate of symptomatic changes in neurological status during hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.88), higher odds of good functional outcomes at discharge (1.55; 1.11-2.16), lower rate of non-home discharge (0.65; 0.46-0.91), shorter length of stay (regression coefficient, 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.89-0.97), and reduced direct cost of hospitalization (0.77; 0.75-0.79). CONCLUSION: Early in-patient MRI utilization in IS patients post-hyper-acute stage was independently associated with improved patient outcomes and decreased healthcare resource utilization, underscoring the potential benefits of early MRI during in-patient management of IS. Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted to validate these findings.

Sex Differences in Functional Outcomes Following Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Sex disparities have been reported across many aspects of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) care; however, there is a relative paucity of research examining sex differences in outcomes following endovascular treatment (EVT). Some studies report worse functional independence for females following EVT. Few, if any of these studies account for differences in age, baseline function, and comorbidity burden. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess for sex differences in functional outcomes following EVT by comparing 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of males and females while controlling for baseline function and comorbidity burden. METHODS: Baseline demographic and clinical data, and stroke severity were compared for 230 consecutive patients undergoing EVT for AIS between October 2014 and July 2019 at a tertiary stroke centre in Toronto, Canada. Effect of sex on likelihood of functional independence post-EVT was assessed using regression analysis with and without correction for age, baseline mRS, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: Females undergoing EVT for AIS were older (75 ± 13 vs. 66 ± 15, p < 0.0001), with worse clinical and functional baselines. Unadjusted, males were more functionally independent (90-day mRS < 3) [OR = 1.831, 95%CI 1.082-3.098]. After controlling for age, baseline mRS and CCI, there was no difference between groups [OR 1.21, 95%CI 0.61-2.37]. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that prior findings of sex disparities in function after EVT may be accounted for by differences in age, baseline clinical status and functional independence between males and females when a comprehensive measure of comorbidity burden is utilized.

Frailty and outcomes in lacunar stroke.

BACKGROUND: Lacunar strokes (LS) are ischemic strokes of the small perforating arteries of deep gray and white matter of the brain. Frailty has been associated with greater mortality and attenuated response to treatment after stroke. However, the effect of frailty on patients with LS has not been previously described. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between frailty and outcomes in LS. METHODS: Patients with LS were selected from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016-2019 using the International Classification of Disease, 10th edition (ICD-10) diagnosis codes. The 11-point modified frailty scale (mFI-11) was used to group patients into severely frail and non-severely frail cohorts. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and complications were defined. Health care resource utilization (HRU) was evaluated by comparing total hospital charges and length of stay (LOS). Other outcomes studied were discharge disposition and inpatient death. RESULTS: Of 48,980 patients with LS, 10,830 (22.1%) were severely frail. Severely frail patients were more likely to be older, have comorbidities, and pertain to lower socioeconomic status categories. Severely frail patients with LS had worse clinical stroke severity and increased rates of complications such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and pneumonia (PNA). Additionally, severe frailty was associated with unfavorable outcomes and increased HRU. CONCLUSION: Severe frailty in LS patients is associated with higher rates of complications and increased HRU. Risk stratification based on frailty may allow for individualized treatments to help mitigate adverse outcomes in the setting of LS.

A Contemporary Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Etiology, and Outcomes of Premature Stroke.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent data identifies increases in young ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. We provide a contemporary overview of current literature on stroke among young patients or premature stroke along with directions for future investigation. RECENT FINDINGS: Strokes in the young are highly heterogenous and often cryptogenic. Sex distribution and risk factors shift from women among the youngest age groups (< 35) to men over the age of 45, with a coinciding rise in traditional vascular risk factors. Incidence is higher in minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and the impact of stroke among these communities may be exaggerated by disparities in symptom recognition and access to care. Special diagnostic work-up may be needed, and a lower threshold for diagnosis is warranted as potential misdiagnosis is a concern and may preclude necessary triage and management. Although "premature strokes" form a relatively small proportion of total incidence, they vary greatly across subgroups and present an outsized impact on quality of life and productivity.

Long-term outcomes of stroke unit care in older stroke patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: older patients are less frequently treated in stroke units (SUs). Clinicians do not seem convinced that older patients benefit from specialised treatment in SU similarly to younger patients. OBJECTIVE: our study aimed to compare older patients' long-term outcomes with and without SU treatment. METHODS: this study used routinely collected health data of 232,447 patients admitted to hospitals in Germany between 2007 and 2017 who were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke (ICD 10 I63). The sample included 29,885 patients aged ≥90 years. The outcomes analysed were 10-, 30- and 90-day, and 1-, 3- and 5-year mortality and the combinations of death or recurrence, inpatient treatment and increase in long-term care needs. Bivariate chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used, adjusting for the covariates age, sex, co-morbidity, long-term care needs before stroke and socioeconomic status of the patients' region of origin. RESULTS: between 2007 and 2017, 57.1% of patients aged <90 years and 49.6% of those aged ≥90 years were treated in a SU. The 1-year mortality rate of ≥90-year-olds was 56.9 and 61.9% with and without SU treatment, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted risk of death in ≥90-year-olds with SU treatment was odds ratio (OR) = 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62-0.73) 10 days after the initial event and OR = 0.76 (95% CI = 0.71-0.82) 3 years after stroke. CONCLUSIONS: even very old patients with stroke benefit from SU treatment in the short and long term. Therefore, SU treatment should be the norm even in older patients.

Readmission Rates in Stroke Patients with and without Infections: Incidence and Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Stroke patients are at increased risk for acquiring infections in the hospital and risk of readmission. We aimed to examine whether an infection acquired during the initial stroke admission contributes to increased risk of readmission and infection during readmission. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study incorporating all adult ischemic stroke patients from three New York City hospitals from 2006 to 2016. A validated computer algorithm defined infections based on electronically-available laboratory culture data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the crude and adjusted association of infections present on admission (IPOA) and healthcare-associated infections (HAI) with 60-day readmissions, and infection during readmission. RESULTS: Among the 10,436 stroke patients, 17% had infections during initial admission of which 52% were IPOA and 48% were HAI. The risk of readmission was significantly higher for those with HAIs (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.20-1.64) and IPOA (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09-1.47). The presence of infection during the 60-day readmission was also independently predicted by HAI (OR = 3.27; 95% CI: 2.60-4.12) and IPOA (OR = 2.54; 95% CI: 2.01-3.22). Patients with a Gram-negative infection were not at higher odds for readmission compared to patients with a Gram-positive infection (OR 1.07, 95%CI 0.81-1.42). CONCLUSION: Among stroke patients, HAI and IPOA were predictors of readmission within 60 days and infection during readmission.

Association between white matter hyperintensity volume and social functioning limitations among stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Existing literature on white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) in stroke patients has rarely focused on post-stroke outcomes related to social functioning limitations, such as transportation, social interaction, food preparation, grocery shopping, and housekeeping. Using prospective data from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) study, we evaluated the association between WMHV and social functioning limitations among 151 ischemic stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: WMHV was ascertained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) collected at the time of the stroke event using a validated semiautomated method, and social functioning limitations were assessed using a stroke outcomes questionnaire administered a median of 1.25 years after the date of the MRI scan. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between WMHV and social functioning limitations. RESULTS: After adjusting for age and sex, a statistically significant association was found between WMHV and limitations in social interaction (OR=2.82; 95% CI: 1.21-7.55). Increased risks were seen for limitations related to food preparation (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 0.99-4.54), transportation (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 0.85-2.27), and housekeeping (OR=1.37; 95% CI: 0.91-2.11); however, the associations did not reach statistical significance. We observed no association between WMHV and limitations in grocery shopping (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 0.61-1.89). CONCLUSIONS: Future studies are needed to further explore the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship with limitations in social interaction and to replicate our findings using a larger and more diverse study sample.

Effect of vitamin D and/or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on stroke outcomes: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Among stroke patients, low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D predicts poor outcomes. In mice, higher omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid intake diminishes brain damage after stroke. In this study, we tested whether vitamin D or n-3 fatty acids supplementation prior to stroke reduces the risk of functional limitations and physical disability after stroke. METHODS: We used data from VITAL (the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL) which randomized middle-aged and older men and women without cardiovascular disease to vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) and/or marine n-3 fatty acids (1 g/day) and followed them for incident stroke events. Individuals experiencing a non-fatal stroke were mailed questionnaires assessing functional limitations (the physical performance scale adapted from Nagi) and physical disability (the modified Katz Activities of Daily Living and Rosow-Breslau Functional Health scales). We used logistic regression to analyze associations between randomized treatment and limitations on each scale. RESULTS: A total of 290 individuals experienced their first stroke during the trial, of whom 197 stroke survivors completed the stroke outcomes questionnaire a median of 1.4 years after diagnosis. We observed no associations between randomized treatment to vitamin D and functional limitations (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52, 1.97) or physical disability (Rosow-Breslau scale: OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.50, 1.67; Katz scale: OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.31, 3.42). Those randomized to n-3 fatty acids had a non-significantly lower risk of functional limitations (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.28, 1.09) and physical disability (Rosow-Breslau scale: OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.31, 1.02; Katz sclae: OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.50, 1.67). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation prior to stroke did not result in significantly improved post-stroke outcomes.

Long-Term Complications and Influence on Outcome in Patients Surviving Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: While the short-term clinical outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is well described, there are limited data on long-term complications and their impact on social reintegration. This study aimed to assess the frequency of complications post-SAH and to investigate whether these complications attribute to functional and self-reported outcomes as well as the ability to return to work in these patients. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included patients with atraumatic SAH over a 5-year period at a tertiary care center. Patients received a clinical follow-up for 12 months. In addition to demographics, imaging data, and parameters of acute treatment, the rate and extent of long-term complications after SAH were recorded. The functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS; favorable outcome defined as mRS = 0-2). Further outcomes comprised self-reported subjective health measured by the EQ-5D and return to work for SAH patients with appropriate age. Multivariable analyses including in-hospital parameters and long-term complications were conducted to identify parameters independently associated with outcomes in SAH survivors. RESULTS: This study cohort consisted of 505 SAH patients of whom 405 survived the follow-up period of 12 months (i.e., mortality rate of 19.8%). Outcome data were available in 359/405 (88.6%) patients surviving SAH. At 12 months, a favorable functional outcome was achieved in 287/359 (79.9%) and 145/251 (57.8%) SAH patients returned to work. The rates of post-acute complications were headache (32.3%), chronic hydrocephalus requiring permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VP shunt 25.4%) and epileptic seizures (9.5%). Despite patient's and clinical characteristics, both presence of epilepsy and need for VP shunt were independently and negatively associated with a favorable functional outcome (epilepsy: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] (95% confidence interval [95% CI]): 0.125 [0.050-0.315]; VP shunt: 0.279 [0.132-0.588]; both p < 0.001) as well as with return to work (aOR [95% CI]: epilepsy 0.195 [0.065-0.584], p = 0.003; VP shunt 0.412 [0.188-0.903], p = 0.027). Multivariable analyses revealed presence of headache, VP shunt, or epilepsy to be significantly related to subjective health impairment (aOR [95% CI]: headache 0.248 [0.143-0.430]; epilepsy 0.223 [0.085-0.585]; VP shunt 0.434 [0.231-0.816]; all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term complications occur frequently after SAH and are associated with an impairment of functional and social outcomes. Further studies are warranted to investigate if treatment strategies specifically targeting these complications, including preventive aspects, may improve the outcomes after SAH.

An evaluation of the ability of thrombospondin-1 to predict stroke outcomes and mortality after ischemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombspondin-1 (TSP-1) is a glycoprotein that has a variety of functions including suppression of angiogenesis and regulation of extracellular matrix deposition. These functions are central to the recovery process after stroke. Data regarding the association and predictive value of TSP-1 and stroke outcomes are limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with ischemic stroke who referred to King Abdullah University Hospital were evaluated for inclusion. The level of serum TSP-1 on admission was assayed using ELISA. Data regarding comorbid diseases as well as stroke severity at baseline, functional outcome and mortality at 6 months were collected prospectively. Favorable outcome was identified as NIHSS or mRS ≤ 1. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with an average age of 66.7 years were included. One-third of the patients (32 patients) had favorable outcome on admission. The serum TSP-1 levels in patients with favorable outcome were significantly higher (719.7 vs. 639.9; p = 0.028). Similarly, patients with favorable outcome at 6 months had higher levels of TSP-1 at baseline (714.3 vs. 614.7; p = 0.003). TSP-1 was identified as an independent predictor of favorable outcome at baseline (OR = 0.993, p = 0.038) and after 6 months (OR = 0.99, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: TSP-1 can predict favorable outcomes with regard to the initial severity and long-term functional outcome.

Population Health Indicators Associated with a Statewide Telestroke Program.

Background: Studies show that telestroke (TS) improves rural access to care and outcome for stroke patients receiving TS services, but population health impacts of TS are not known. We examine impacts associated with South Carolina's (SC) statewide TS network on an entire state population of patients suffering acute ischemic stroke (AIS) as TS became available across SC counties. Methods: A population health study using Donabedian's conceptual model and an ecological design to describe the change observed over time in use of thrombolysis and endovascular therapy (EVT) as the SC TeleStroke Network (SCTN) diffused across SC counties. Changes in county rates of stroke mortality and discharge destination are reported. The unit of interest is the population rate for AIS patients living in a SC county. Patients' county of residence at the time of hospitalization defined county cohorts. Relative risks were estimated using logistic regression adjusted for age >75 years. Results: Overall tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) rate was 6.28%, and EVT rate was 1.10%. Patients living where SCTN was available had a 25% higher likelihood of receiving tPA (adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-1.36) and lower risks of mortality (ARR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.84-0.99) or discharge to skilled nursing (ARR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.89-0.97). Conclusions: TS diffusion affects the structure of the health system serving a county, as well as the processes of care delivered in the emergency department; these changes are associated with measurable population health improvements. Results support a population benefit of TS implementation.

A hospital-based study on ischaemic stroke characteristics, management, and outcomes in Sarawak: Where do we stand?

BACKGROUND: Located on the Borneo Island, Sarawak is the largest state of Malaysia and has a population distinctive from Peninsular Malaysia. The ischaemic stroke data in Sarawak had not been reported despite the growing number of patients annually. We aimed to investigate patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of ischaemic stroke in Sarawak and benchmark the results with national and international published data. METHODS: We included ischaemic stroke cases admitted to Sarawak General Hospital between June 2013 and August 2018 from Malaysia National Stroke Registry. We performed descriptive analyses on patient demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, prior medications, smoking status, arrival time, thrombolysis rate, Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke measures, and outcomes at discharge. We also numerically compared the results from Sarawak with the published data from selected national and international cohorts. RESULTS: We analysed 1435 ischaemic stroke cases. The mean age was 60.1±13.2 years old; 64.9% were male; median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was seven points. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor of ischaemic stroke; 12.7% had recurrent stroke; 13.7% were active smokers. The intravenous thrombolysis rate was 18.8%. We achieved 80-90% in three GWTG-Stroke performance measures and 90-98% in four additional quality measures in our ischaemic stroke management. At discharge, 57% had modified Rankin Scale of 0-2; 6.7% died during hospitalisation. When compared with selected national and international data, patients in Sarawak were the youngest; Sarawak had more male and more first-ever stroke. Thrombolysis rate in Sarawak was higher compared with most studies in the comparison. Functional outcome at discharge in Sarawak was better than national cohort but still lagging behind when compared with the developed countries. In-hospital mortality rate in Sarawak was slightly lower than the national data but higher when compared with other countries. CONCLUSION: Our study described characteristics, management, and outcomes of ischaemic stroke in Sarawak. We achieved high compliance with most of GTWG-Stroke performance and quality indicators. Sarawak had better outcomes than the national results on ischaemic stroke. However, there is still room for improvement when compared with other countries. Actions are needed to reduce the cardiovascular burdens for stroke prevention, enhance healthcare resources for stroke care, and improve intravenous thrombolysis treatment in Sarawak.

Predictors and prognoses of new onset post-stroke anxiety at one year in black Africans.

BACKGROUND: There is relatively limited information on the risk factors and outcome of new onset Poststroke Anxiety (PSA) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. We estimated incidence, cumulative incidence, risk factors and outcome of new onset anxiety in the first year of stroke among African stroke survivors. METHODS: We analyzed the dataset of a completed clinical trial comprising patients enrolled to test an intervention designed to improve one-year blood pressure control among recent (≤ one month) stroke survivors in Nigeria. Anxiety was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Community screening instrument for dementia (CSID) and Health Related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients (HRQOLISP-26). RESULTS: Among 322 stroke survivors who were free of anxiety at baseline, we found a one-year cumulative incidence of 34% (95% CI = 28.6-39.3). Rates were 36.2% (95% CI =29.6-42.7) for men and 29.2% (95% CI =19.9-38.3) for women. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, haemorrhagic stroke type was associated with higher risk of new onset PSA (Hazard Ratio=1.52, 95% CI =1.01-2.29). New onset PSA was independently associated with cognitive [(mean difference (MD) in CSID scores=1.1, 95% C.I=0.2, 1.9)] and motor decline (MD in mRS scores= -0.2, 95% C.I= -0.4, -0.02), as well as poorer quality of life overtime (MD in total HRQOLISP-26 scores=3.6, 95% C.I=1.0, 6.2). CONCLUSION: One in 3 stroke survivors in Nigeria had PSA at one year. Clinicians in SSA should pay special attention to survivors of haemorrhagic stroke as they are at higher risk of incident anxiety and therefore its consequences.

2017 Cardiovascular and Stroke Endpoint Definitions for Clinical Trials.

This publication describes uniform definitions for cardiovascular and stroke outcomes developed by the Standardized Data Collection for Cardiovascular Trials Initiative and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA established the Standardized Data Collection for Cardiovascular Trials Initiative in 2009 to simplify the design and conduct of clinical trials intended to support marketing applications. The writing committee recognizes that these definitions may be used in other types of clinical trials and clinical care processes where appropriate. Use of these definitions at the FDA has enhanced the ability to aggregate data within and across medical product development programs, conduct meta-analyses to evaluate cardiovascular safety, integrate data from multiple trials, and compare effectiveness of drugs and devices. Further study is needed to determine whether prospective data collection using these common definitions improves the design, conduct, and interpretability of the results of clinical trials.

Influences of genetic variants on stroke recovery: a meta-analysis of the 31,895 cases.

BACKGROUND: The influences of genetic variants on functional clinical outcomes following stroke are unclear. In order to reliably quantify these influences, we undertook a comprehensive meta-analysis of outcomes after acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) or ischaemic stroke (AIS) in relation to different genetic variants. METHODS: PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Medline electronic databases were searched up to January 2019. Outcomes, defined as favourable or poor, were assessed by validated scales (Barthel index, modified Rankin scale, Glasgow outcome scale and National Institutes of Health stroke scale). RESULTS: Ninety-two publications comprising 31,895 cases met our inclusion criteria. Poor outcome was observed in patients with ICH who possessed the APOE4 allele: OR =2.60 (95% CI = 1.25-5.41, p = 0.01) and in AIS patients with the GA or AA variant at the BDNF-196 locus: OR = 2.60 (95% CI = 1.25-5.41, p = 0.01) or a loss of function allele of CYP2C19: OR = 2.36 (95% CI = 1.56-3.55, p < 0.0001). Poor outcome was not associated with APOE4: OR = 1.02 (95% CI = 0.81-1.27, p = 0.90) or IL6-174 G/C: OR = 2.21 (95% CI = 0.55-8.86, p = 0.26) in patients with AIS. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that recovery of AIS was unfavourably associated with variants of BDNF and CYP2C19 genes whilst recovery of ICH was unfavourably associated with APOE4 gene.

Timing of Direct Enteral Tube Placement and Outcomes after Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Direct enteral feeding tube (DET) placement for dysphagia after stroke is associated with poor outcomes. However, the relationship between timing of DET placement and poststroke mortality and disability is unknown. We sought to determine the risk of mortality and severe disability in patients who receive DET at different times after stroke. METHODS: We used the Ontario Stroke Registry and linked administrative databases to identify patients with acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage between 2003 and 2013 who received DET (gastrostomy or jejunostomy) during their hospital admission. We grouped patients by week of DET placement and evaluated mortality at 30 days and 6 months after DET insertion, and disability at discharge. We used Cox proportional hazard models and multiple logistic regression to determine the association between time from admission to DET placement and outcomes, adjusting for patient and hospital factors. RESULTS: In the study sample of 1367 patients, the median time from admission to DET placement was 17 days. After adjustment, each week of delay to DET placement was associated with lower mortality at 30 days (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] .88, 95% confidence interval [CI] .79-.98), but not at 6 months (aHR .98, 95% CI .91- 1.05), and a higher likelihood of severe disability at discharge (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.13- 1.60). CONCLUSIONS: Later DET placement after stroke was associated with lower 30-day mortality but higher severe disability at discharge. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for these observations and to optimize patient selection and timing of DET.

Even Faster Door-to-Alteplase Times and Associated Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The timely administration of thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke has been associated with good functional outcomes. Current guidelines recommend alteplase administration within 60 minutes in 75% of eligible patients and within 45 minutes in 50% of patients. There is limited evidence guiding these measures and their effect on outcomes. We report a single-center, retrospective assessment of the safety and efficacy of alteplase treatment within 45 minutes. METHODS: Five hundred and eighty-six patients were treated with alteplase in our emergency departments (EDs) between January 2014 and October 2016; 368 patients were included for analysis. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the association between door-to-alteplase (DTA) times and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. Incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was also documented. RESULTS: The median DTA time was 29 minutes versus 64 minutes in the DTA less than or equal to 45 minutes arm and more than 45 minutes arm, respectively. The primary outcome of 90-day mRS 0-1 was achieved in 56% of patients in the less than or equal to 45 minutes group versus 58% in more than 45 minutes group (P = .67). Odds of achieving mRS 0-1 were not significantly impacted by DTA times. In the multivariate regression analysis, patient characteristics associated with achieving mRS 0-1 were: younger age, male sex, not requiring intubation in the ED, and without prior history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, or stroke. There was no significant difference in rates of ICH for patients less than or equal to 45 minutes versus more than 45 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid administration of alteplase was not associated with significantly better outcomes nor increased risk of ICH. Conclusions about efficacy are limited due to the retrospective nature of the study, small sample size, and incomplete data points.

Stroke units, certification, and outcomes in German hospitals: a longitudinal study of patient-based 30-day mortality for 2006-2014.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of stroke patients in stroke units has increased and studies have shown improved outcomes. However, a large share of patients in Germany is still treated in hospitals without stroke unit. The effects of stroke unit service line, and total hospital quality certification on outcomes remain unclear. METHODS: We employ annual hospital panel data for 1100-1300 German hospitals from 2006 to 2014, which includes structural data and 30-day standardized mortality. We estimate hospital- and time-fixed effects regressions with three main independent variables: (1) stroke unit care, (2) stroke unit certification, and (3) total hospital quality certification. RESULTS: Our results confirm the trend of decreasing stroke mortality ratios, although to a much lesser degree than previous studies. Descriptive analysis illustrates better stroke outcomes for non-certified and certified stroke units and hospitals with total hospital quality certification. In a fixed effects model, having a stroke unit has a significant quality-enhancing effect, lowering stroke mortality by 5.6%, while there is no significant improvement effect for stroke unit certification or total hospital quality certification. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and health systems may benefit substantially from stroke unit treatment expansion as installing a stroke unit appears more meaningful than getting it certified or obtaining a total hospital quality certification. Health systems should thus prioritize investment in stroke unit infrastructure and centralize stroke care in stroke units. They should also prioritize patient-based 30-day mortality data as it allows a more realistic representation of mortality than admission-based data.

Cilostazol May Decrease Plasma Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Recent Small Subcortical Infarcts: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of progressive neurological deficit in patients with recent small subcortical infarcts has not yet been clarified. Inflammatory biomarkers and the use of cilostazol may be associated with this phenomenon. METHODS: Between May 2013 and April 2014, we evaluated consecutive first-ever patients with stroke due to recent small subcortical infarcts within 48 hours of onset. We divided patients into 2 groups according to the use of antiplatelet agents (cilostazol with or without aspirin versus aspirin alone). Plasma biomarkers such as matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-6, high sensitive C-reactive protein, and amyloid ß precursor protein (APP770, indicating endothelial dysfunction) were measured twice: (1) within 24 hours; and (2) 1 week after their admission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the variables independently associated with progressive neurological deficit and poor functional outcome. RESULTS: We analyzed 41 patients (male: 63.4%, mean age: 70.8 years). Most of the patients (90%) who were treated with cilostazol were concomitantly treated with aspirin. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and high sensitive C-reactive protein were higher in patients with progressive neurological deficit compared with those without. APP770 were more likely to be decreased in cilostazol group compared with aspirin group. Multivariable analyses show that traditional risk factors such as age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were independently associated with both progressive neurological deficit and poor functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory biomarkers may be associated with progressive neurological deficit. Early initiation of cilostazol may decrease the levels of plasma biomarkers.